Category Archives for Learning Kyusho Jitsu

What is Kyusho Jitsu? [No BS]

What is Kyusho

Today I am going to answer in detail exactly what is Kyusho Jitsu? This is going to be a detailed NO BS answer to this question. It is time to really clear the air and let the world know the truth, without any HYPE!

What is Kyusho?

Let's break this down into section so you can see exactly what we are teaching. Kyusho Jitsu is really just a name. It has been translated into English a few time over the years. But the translations are really not that accurate. But we need to call it something right?

The first I will address is Grand Master George Dillman's translation. He refers to it as 2 Second Fighting. Literally we could break it down as "Kyu" for under, as in Kyu Belt. And "sho" as in high. Interesting and I have heard this one many times before too.

My explanation? I don't have one! I just use the name. It's just a name.

So I just refer to it as the "science of pressure point self defense." Why do I call it science? Because it fits the Websters definition of science. We research what works, and what does not work, the probability of success and the percent of success. Science is about research. It is NOT a religion like it is becoming today.

Science of Pressure Point Self Defense

What is Kyusho? Kyusho is a way to look at the neurological components of the human body and exploit weakness. As an example I know there is a very sensitive nerve just above the elbow joint.

We have all hit our "funny bone" and it ain't funny! When stimulated properly it causes great pain, and more importantly causes the muscles in the area to "relax" releasing the elbow for easy dislocation.

I have never seen a case this did not work either!

What is a Pressure Point?

Pressure Points of the Head

This is an involved answer, but here we go! A pressure point is a place on the body where a nerve ends, branches off into a "Y" or crosses over another nerve. Here is a FULL article and explanation of exactly "what a pressure point is and how to activate one."

Kyusho Jitsu is Nerve Strikes

The basic, down to the root level is that Kyusho Jitsu is nerve strikes. Nerves have many different functions on the human body and Kyusho is exploiting these. When I teach I do a combination of eastern and western medical approaches.

I find this gives a much better understanding for people! So we have talked about "what is kyusho," now lets talk about WHY we need Kyusho!

Why do we need Kyusho?

I was asked this question on a forum back a while ago. I had made a post on pressure points that give a response with a single strike. Like GB-20 being a knockout point with no other setup needed as long as it was hit correct and with enough force.

So why is the study needed? The answer is simple really. In an attack, or a fight if you prefer that term, opportunity for an accurate "powerful" strikes are not always there! The fact is the target is moving therefore accurate power strikes are difficult!

When pressure points are activated the "effect" on the nerve can last up to 20 minutes. This causes a weakness in the body. If you accumulate these effect with other pressure points strikes you create opportunities that do not exist otherwise.

This takes "luck" out of the self defense equation!

What does this require for success?

You need ONLY 2 things for success with Kyusho Jitsu!

Training in a SOLID root art!

Study in the science of pressure point self defense

This will lay the foundation for your success in a bad situation on the street! There is no "quick fix" as you often see online with "self defense gurus." You just gotta do the work! But I am here to help you!

Hey, even if you buy a gun, you have to learn to shoot properly right?

How to get started!

Now I have answered the question what is Kyusho Jitsu. Now I will give you the 2 best options to get started learning! I suggest you do both! Really!

The first is my FREE 30 Day Kyusho Jitsu Mini Course. This is a lesson every 3 days for 30 Days sent to your email inbox. This is real information about using Kyusho Jitsu, not fluffy BS like some other course.

You can also subscribe to our posts by using the "Red Bell"in the bottom right corner. This way you know what the post is about before you come and read. Also share this an other content with friends on social media. Help spread the teachings of the science of pressure point self defense.

Leg Pressure Points

Today we will talk about 3 crippling Leg Pressure Points for self defense you need to know! There is an old saying, that when in doubt attack the legs!

But what is the most effective way?

3 Crippling Leg Pressure Points

The bigger the attacker the most fragile the legs. Legs do a lot of work as I am sure you realize. But when someone is BIG they work beyond what they should. Today there is an epidemic of obesity in the world. Especially in men.

But that does not stop them from wanting to fight, or be a criminal! And you must understand your attacker, and what his weaknesses are! That is part of the study of the science of pressure point self defense.

Let's Attack the Knees!

This is the usual train of thought in the martial arts. And yes the knees are a weak area, especially on heavy people. There is a cluster of 4 pressure points around the knees that make great targets! I discuss these in DEPTH in the Novice Kyusho Jitsu Home Study Course!

But today we will bypass the knees and go for PAIN!

Leg Pressure Points

Let begin with the first of 3 leg pressure points with GB-31!

Leg Pressure Points GB-31

1) Gall Bladder 31- This point is located as you can see on thigh, midway down on the Yang side. It is hit straight in like an arrow! The knee makes a GREAT weapon against it too! What happens? The leg will CRAMP. If you strike it hard enough when the leg cramps the quadriceps will cramp so badly they will TEAR.

You cannot walk let alone continue to fight under these circumstances!

2) Bladder 56 - As you can see from the diagram this on of the leg pressure points that lies mid calf.

Leg Pressure Points BL-56

Striking this point, like GB-31 will cause an INTENSE calf cramp. I accidentally hit this point once too hard on my Uki and he ended up with a muscle tear. I know you are getting the idea! The best weapon for this is the heal of your foot! If you have heave boots on you will get an even better result! You can also use BL-57 or BL-58. But I have found BL-56 the most effective.

If you can't walk....can't fight!

3) Spleen 11 - I have talked about SP-11 many times! Located mid upper thigh on the inside this is perhaps the BEST of all leg points. I know people expect me to go with SP-6, which is a great point! Most of all it is a setup point.

There is also a very good possibly with a hard strike of cracking or breaking the femur bone in the upper leg. As I said before, this ends the altercation.

Do you want to learn more?

These are only 3 of several more very useful leg pressure points. I don't know of ANYONE who can take a strike to these points and still walk normally afterward.

I want to once again emphasize that you hit pressure points HARD. In training you need to pull back and use a light touch to avoid injury.

This has unfortunately become a misconception many martial artist have about Kyusho Jitsu. It is NOT about light hits! You must however use the correct angle and direction, and add 2 way action in order to get the best penetration and therefore results.

Are you new to the science of pressure point self defense? Than perhaps you may wish to join our FREE 30 Day Kyusho Jitsu Mini Course! I will link it below.

Kyusho Jitsu Home Study Course

If you are looking for a serious Kyusho Jitsu education I have the perfect solution for you! Follow the link below and check out my ALL INCLUSIVE Kyusho Jitsu Home Study Series. This is the "real deal."

Thank you for taking time to read this article! You can also subscribe to our posts by using the "Red Bell"in the bottom right corner. This way you know what the post is about before you come and read. Also share this an other content with friends on social media. Help spread the teachings of the science of pressure point self defense.

Pressure Point Basics

Pressure Point Basics

Without a solid understanding of Pressure Point Basics it is almost impossible to be successful using them. This is a reason that the art of Kyusho Jitsu is often criticized. it is simply a LACK of understanding of how things actually work.

So today let's break this down a little!

Exactly what is a pressure points?

A pressure point is a place on the body where a nerve ends, branches off like a "Y" or crosses/overlaps with another. There are 350 plus pressure points on the body. But only a percentage of them are usable for self defense purposes. If you read this article it will explain the 5 Most Important Pressure Points.

Pressure Points of the Arm

You will also find pressure points around any joint in the body. The knees are one of the best examples.

How do they work?

To attack a pressure point you need to attack them a certain way. Each point has a correct angle and direction of attack. If you do it wrong, it just will not work very well. But this is not as daunting a task as it first may see to be.

The angle of attack is always 45 degrees. And if you seriously study self defense movement you will understand the power of angles! Here is a reference if you would like to know more about this topic.

The next thing you need to do is use what is called 2 Way Action. This assures activation of the pressure point and is therefore an important part of pressure point basics. Here is a detailed explanation of 2 Way Action for you.

But if you do not want to read that right now. Here is a short video on 2 Way action.

How big is a pressure points?

Area of Activation of a Pressure Point

As we continue with pressure point basics we will now look at the size of a pressure point. The size, for the purposes of acupuncture is that of the head of a pen. This is a very small area! But for our purposes in Kyusho Jitsu we are only concerned with activation area. That is the size of a loony (Canadian dollar) or a Silver Dollar in the USA.

Most of all imagine that there are 8 of those taped on a persons arm. This covers the most easily accessible pressure points. Are you going to tell me you cannot hit any of these? If so you need to train more!

Types of Pressure Points

There are 3 types of pressure points that also need to be learned! They fall into these 3 categories.

Touch Points - These are activated with a simply "touch." Please note this does not mean a "light touch." A press would be a better word to explain it!

Rub Points - This is a similar idea, however with a different type of action.

Strike Points - For self defense purposes these are usually the most focused up point pressure points.

Do pressure point basics sound complicated? They really are not as long as you fo step by step!

What is a Meridian?

12 Meridians of the Body

A meridian is an energy pathway that exists in the body where pressure points are found. This part of the discussion now goes to Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. But for the purpose of pressure point basics I am only going to mention this. You can read more about acupuncture here. This link is to a Wikipedia article, which tend to be biased, but it gives you a basic idea.

There are a total of 12 different meridians on the human body, then these are reflected on each side. Therefore depending on how you want to look at them, you can say there are 24. Each meridian has a specific number of pressure points, and distinctly different characteristics. There are also 2 Vessels, Conception and Governor.

How does this all work?

This is where people who "try" pressure points get lost. They do not understand pressure point basics, and therefore fail when they try to use them. First we are dealing with NERVES. The human body is a mass of nerves, all with certain characteristics and purposes.

The pressure points of interest are of interest because of the function of the nerve they are associated with. Now you do not need to know every nerve on the body and what they do. That is not pressure point basics. But it comes in handy in advanced and master level study.

Re-stomp the Groin

We all know this saying! Master Ken and Ameri-Do-Te, Plus this is a favorite area of attack for many martial art and self defense systems.

But why does it work?

Is there something special about the testicles? No, there is a nerve bundle there! The testicles really don't hurt, the nerves report possible damage to the brain, in the form of terrible PAIN.

But.....

There is a very important pressure point there! Conception One. This is why a groin strike works on both male and female. But no, "pressure points don't work!" [sarcasm]

Testicles are MAGIC?

Sorry "Nay Sayers!" You do not know what you are talking about! But keep trolling! If it help you feel important.

Understanding Pressure Point Basics!

Pressure Point Basics

When you understand pressure point basics and build your skills upon them you get a result! You get a predictable result. This is why we call it the science of pressure point self defense.

Do you want to learn more?

Then I have 2 great options for you! One is our 30 Day Free Video Kyusho Jitsu Mini Course. Below is a link to learn more.

The second is our Novice Kyusho Jitsu Home Study Course. This is a FULL all inclusive Novice Course that will get you up to Black Belt level! You can read more below too!

Thank you for taking time to read this article! You can also subscribe to our posts by using the "Red Bell"in the bottom right corner. This way you know what the post is about before you come and read. Also share this an other content with friends on social media. Help spread the teachings of the science of pressure point self defense.

5 BEST Knockout Pressure Points

5 Best Knockout Pressure Points

So today lets talk about neurological knockouts and what the the 5 BEST Knockout Pressure Points. Now what do I mean when I say knockout pressure points? These are pressure points that CAN result in a neurological knockout when they are the ONLY points struck. No setup required!

No setup? Really????

I know you are used to people talking about setting up pressure point knockouts, and that is the VERY best way to go! However I will explain more about that later in the article. But, you also need to know pressure points that will cause a knockout with one hit! This is especially important in self defense! An attack must end FAST. Most of all this helps to assure your success. If you do the work!

How does this happen?

Time for some anatomy lessons! There are pressure points in the body that lie in very critical places. When you get down to basics, Kyusho Jitsu is really simply nerve strikes. So if we are just hitting nerves why do we need this long study? Because the study, the science behind pressure point self defense, and knockout pressure points helps increase the odds of success. Especially if the target you want to not available when you want it!

So lets get started shall we?

Top 5 Knockout Pressure Points

knockout pressure points

1) Stomach 5 - This tends to be everyone's "go to" knockout pressure point. The reason this point is so important is the nerve in most people is very accessible. For some it is deeper and less effective. This is biology, not training!

To reach the nerve which is part of the Mandibular Branch of nerves your need to use 2-Way Action and strike in and to the back of the opposite side of the head. You may also strike it to the front and across to the other side. In this area, there is also a branch of the Internal Jugular Vein These nerves and veins are on the underside area of the jaw, protected by the jaw itself.

2) Gall Bladder 20 & Bladder 10 - I am putting these 2 points together because of their close proximity and similar nerve patterns. Gallbladder 20 is another of the favorite points for Kyusho Jitsu practitioners for head knockouts. This point lies in the 2 hollows at the base of the back of the skull.

Gall Bladder 20 & Bladder 10

Now GB-20 is a Wood element point that is hit up and in to the other side of the head. The direction “up” assumes the person to be standing like the illustration. This point along with Bladder 10 are excellent knockout points mostly due to being at the back of the head near the spinal column.

And...

In this area run the Greater and Lesser Occipital Nerves. There is also a large but thin mass of muscle in the area, up into the head and down to the shoulder area. The 2 nerves while serving many functions also help to protect the integrity of the spinal columns connection to the skull.

A hard-enough blow can tear the muscles and therefore cause a tear in the spinal cord. Permanent paralysis and death can occur under the right conditions.

3) Large Intestine 18 - Not as popular but incredibly effective LI-18 is therefore on my list! This point lies at the center of the side of the neck as shown in the diagram below. You can map it directly below, straight down from TW-17.

Striking in and straight across will cause intense pain and if there is setup done it will take little effort for a knockout. As a stand alone point a knockout can be obtained but the best result will come if you can secure the neck with the other hand.

From the standpoint of the nervous system we are once again attacking the lesser occipital nerve. This nerve has many functions as mentioned previously and a hard strike will basically overload it and cause the attacker to go unconscious.

Cool eh?

4) Spleen 21 - This is one of the MOST, if not the MOST DANGEROUS knockout pressure points on the body. Death can result from hard strike especially on the left side of the body due to the proximity of the heart. The point is located on the lateral aspect of the chest, on the mid-axillary line, in the 6th intercostal space.

The reason this, and other body points are knockout pressure points is because the brain and the nervous system will ALWAYS protect the integrity of the ribs, and assure the safety of the lungs.

5) Spleen 11 - Yes, if you know your pressure points you will fast realize this is a LEG point. You can knockout someone out with one shot to this point if you hit it correctly, and HARD ENOUGH!

How does this happen? This knockout pressure points lies on the femur in close proximity to the femoral artery. If this point is hit with enough force there is a good chance the leg with break. With the potential of a rupture to the femoral artery as a result! Therefore this overload with cause a neurological knockout!

Learn How YOU can do this too!

That is right! You can learn all this and more! Plus be able to perform these knockouts under stress. But you need training!

How do you begin?

The first thing I will tell you is this is only the beginning! There are many, many more great knockout pressure points across the body!

Would you like to learn more about this fascinating, and important aspect of the science of pressure point self defense? Follow this link below and read more about Understanding Neurological Pressure Point Knockouts. ​

I have a NEW Video Series on Pressure Point Knockouts. This is a series of 5 videos, with 5 different knockouts you can replicate right away! And it is a STEAL at $9.97!

Thank you for taking time to read this article! You can also subscribe to our posts by using the "Red Bell"in the bottom right corner. This way you know what the post is about before you come and read. Also share this an other content with friends on social media. Help spread the teachings of the science of pressure point self defense.

​5 Most Important Pressure Points

Today I want to talk about the 5 Most Important Pressure Points for striking when it comes to Kyusho Jitsu Self Defense. Now before I get into this deeper I want to talk about an article I saw yesterday on Wikipedia. The reason is that Wikipedia does not care about accuracy, as they accept authority from those who do not know. ​

The ​article I saw was that pressure points do not need to be hit hard. ​This is false! They need to be hit hard. But not when working with an Uki. But you can see the massive amount of misinformation that is out there! I have offer to fix these articles, but received no response.

But on to the 5 Most Important Pressure Points!

1) Large Intestine 10 [Li-10]

​Large Intestine 10

The reason I have chosen this as the first pressure point is because it is an arm point. Since the arms come forward during any attack LI-10 becomes critical. This pressure point is struck in and down using 2 Way Action like an arrow. It causes great pain and for the hand to go numb and open. Very useful for ​dealing with an attacker holding a weapon.

2) Stomach 5 [ST-05]

Pressure Points of the Head

This is everyone's favorite pressure point because it is a great knockout point. You need to hit it correctly to get the result however. This point is hit up towards the far side of the skull, again using 2 Way Action. One some people depending on the structure of the jaw the nerve can be somewhat hidden. While on other people it is hyper exposed. This point works very well on about 80 percent of the people I have tested it on.

​3) Gall Bladder 20 [GB-20]

Learn Pressure Point Knockouts

This is another favorite knockout point for many practitioners of the science of pressure point self defense Kyusho Jitsu. It is found at the back of the head, as per the diagram above. You can also see where this point lies with reference to the Greater Occipital Nerve. This nerve among other things protects the integrity of the head to the spinal column. Thus making this a very effect pressure point if hit correctly. You strike in and up towards the far side of the skull, using 2 Way Action. Therefore making GB-20 one of the most important pressure points.

4) Spleen 11 [SP-11]

​Spleen Meridian

Next on our list of important pressure points is SP-11. This point is located on the Yin side of the leg, halfway between the groin and the knee. It is hit straight in like an arrow to the other side. On​ a heavy person, with their weight on this leg it will release the knee, causing the person to fall depending on weight distribution and dislocate the knee. This pressure point can also be used to cause a knockout under ​certain conditions. Please follow this link to learn more about Neurological Pressure Point Knockouts and how they work.

Kyusho Setup Point Spleen 6

5) Spleen 6 [SP-06]

Located about 2 inches above the ankle bone on the inside of the leg SP-06 is another important pressure point. It can be used to bring an attacker down very quickly if struck when they have the majority of their weight on the foot in question. On a heavy person this can cause the ankle to shatter during the fall.

​The pressure points chosen for this article are because of their relative ease of access for most martial arts styles. They do not represent by any means the most deadly of pressure points. I will cover that is another article. Here is a link to another article on understanding Pressure Point attack angle and direction.

​New to Kyusho Jitsu?

Are you new to the science of pressure point self defense? Join our 30 Day Video Kyusho Jitsu Mini Course from the form below! You will receive a new lesson every 3 days, plus miscellaneous other informational messages. After you enter your name and email address you need to verify your address. Once verified your first lesson with arrive in minutes. We respect your right to privacy. Read more here about our Policy.

Thank you for taking time to read this article! You can also subscribe to our posts by using the "Red Bell"in the bottom right corner. This way you know what the post is about before you come and read. Also share this an other content with friends on social media. Help spread the teachings of the science of pressure point self defense.

​Kyusho Jitsu's Yin and Yang Hands

What are Kyusho Jitsu's Yin and Yang Hands? These are a set of 6 different hand positions coming from various ancient martial arts. Sometime referred to as Ji Hands. This is some really cool stuff! So why do I not talk about it? Because I am breaking it down to a different level.

​From my understanding of this there are 6 different hand positions. They are all mechanically very sound and work quiet well! But they work for very specific reasons. This has to do with 2 things.

The understanding of the Principle of Yin & Yang

​Plus the proper use of 2 Way Action

So why do I not teach it directly? Mostly because I am more concerned about the real life self defense street aspects of Kyusho Jitsu and not the addition of tradition forms from other martial arts. However the hand positions are very easy to find if you wish to learn them.

​Most of all these hand positions will do you no good without a solid understanding of the Principle of Yin and Yang, plus 2 Way Action in all your strikes and/or joint manipulation work. Here is a short video on 2 Way Action.

Yin and Yang Hands

Now the hands are an interesting subject. The are both Yin on one side and Yang on the other. Plus the transition areas. However this is too much to be able to cover in a single blog post. I do however have an excellent video on the subject of the Principle of Yin & Yang that goes into great details on the many aspects of it! Follow the link below and read more!

If you have any questions please feel free to comment below. You can also subscribe to our posts by using the "Red Bell"in the bottom right corner. This way you know what the post is about before you come and read. Also share this an other content with friends on social media. Help spread the teachings of the science of pressure point self defense.

​Learn Kyusho Jitsu

Best Way to Learn Kyusho Jitsu

What is the best way to learning Kyusho Jitsu? This is a great question, so let me explain with a real life example from my own history.

I started my formal martial arts training in November 1984. After I got my green belt the following June my instructor wanted me to begin to help out teaching class in a neighboring town which he had a branch location in. I accepted with great honor! ​A gentlemen who started before I did was also asked to help in a different location. He declined.

Now I am not a natural athlete. I played hockey for 18 years, boxed and wrestled but nothing came easy. I had to work HARD to get good. Martial Arts was no exception. But by the time our Black Belt grading rolled around in 1988 I was miles ahead of my friend. Why? Because I was teaching as well as training!

Teaching is NOT for everyone, but it will accelerate learning more than you can imagine!

​Teaching Kyusho Jitsu

When you teach it requires you to know the material even better than someone else at your same level. That is why teaching is the best way to learn Kyusho Jitsu! This is the main reason for my "clinical" knowledge in the art! I began teaching it the month after I started my Novice program! Now I was not running study groups at that point, but I was integrating into my adult classes!

Right now you have an unparalleled opportunity to learn Kyusho Jitsu by becoming a teacher! I am offer our Novice Kyusho Jitsu Instructor Certification Course for a FRACTION of its value! Plus you can divide the payment into 3 if you would like too! Follow this link and be prepared to be SHOCKED at how economic this is right now!

If you have any questions please feel free to comment below. You can also subscribe to our posts by using the "Red Bell"in the bottom right corner. This way you know what the post is about before you come and read. Also share this an other content with friends on social media. Help spread the teachings of the science of pressure point self defense.

​Pressure Point Angle & Direction

Pressure Point Angle & Direction

Understanding the Correct Pressure Point Angle & Direction to attack is a "master key" to success in self defense and therefore Kyusho Jitsu. We often overlook the simple things in favor of the complex and this one such example. Pressure Point Angle & Direction is a novice concept, often forgotten for more exciting things.

What is the correct angle and direction to strike a pressure point? Well the angle is ALWAYS 45 degrees. The direction will vary from pressure point to pressure point across the 12 meridians and 2 vessels. Achieving the 45 degree angle is done each time using what is called 2 Way Action. Some will call this complex motion, however it is really just natural movement. But when you are ​learning a martial art you often have to circle back to natural movement.

Linear Movement is Death

At lot of self defense I see in the wild is based on 2 different things. One is linear movement, which is OK for beginners but it must not remain that way. That is meeting force with force and, well you just don't want to play that game.

The second is "circling," or responding to an attack like a boxer would usually circling to the right. That will also get you hurt. Why? Because the attacker is always going to move in a linear motion. They are DRIVEN by emotions such as anger, hate and desperation. You cannot control this "intent" like you control a "fight" in a ring.

Proper Movement

Proper movement is learning to use angles. This first and most importantly moves you out of danger momentarily because it is defense. You are not meeting their power! Now if you were standing in the middle of the road with a car speeding at you would you backup? Of course not! That would get you killed! So why would you do this with someone attacking you?

How do I know what I am talking about works? Here is a true story!

​True Story

Back in 2002 I was hit while working at Chrysler by a fork lift. I was severely lacerated and had lost part of my Achilles tendon. Therefore I end up in a cast on crutches for 3 months. After which I was put into a walking cast. My first day back on my feet in a walking cast I was out on the Dojo floor while my son Curt was teaching this movement. Now in my root system we train this each night. He was having some issue getting someone to understand what he wanted so I stepped in to help. Now when we train this we train FULL SPEED. If you don't move you are going to get CLOCKED in the face. Curt punched at me forgetting I was in a cast. he came FULL SPEED and I move out of the line, to the correct angle to counter attack flawlessly. He look up at me and said, "sorry you OK?" My response was "Yes, I guess we see how we this works!" There is much more to this, too much for a single post!

Kyusho Jitsu and the Secrets of the Octagon

If this has you curious, take a look at the link below to my new eBook called Kyusho Jitsu and the Secrets of the Octagon. It will really open your eyes to the possibilities for successful street self defense.

​Fight or Flight Reflex

The Fight or Flight Reflex

Understanding the Fight or Flight Reflex is a "master key" to teaching and accomplishing successful self defense. But from what I have seen in the industry only a hand full of teachers actually understand it. Below is a definition.

Fight or Flight Reflex: "The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival."

Now pretty much everyone understands this on an intellectual level. The issue is people do NOT understand it on an application level.

Application of Fight or Flight Reflex requires some specific training. Some people have "natural" control when it comes to this, I was lucky to have been one of these people. But this is a psychological occurrence and not related to normal martial arts training like some think. I will also say this categorically, this response has nothing to do with ring fighting, or sport. You DO NOT experience the Fight or Flight Reflect in a ring.

Training it

When this reflex kicks in one of two things are going to happen. You will freeze like a deer in the headlights, or your will fight back (or run). This is a massive dump of adrenaline to the systems, chancing blood flow, heart rate, breathing rate and many other physiological occurrences. You can train this in a martial arts setting by slowing ramping up "stress training." My favorite methods were to simulate an attack in the dark. This was a student favorite, and also multiple attacks. What martial arts teacher often don't get is this is the students response is look at first. Then after they get used to these things happening you worry about the defense.

Step by step!

Next we need to look at the tools required, once the student can deal with the response of the nervous system, required to end the conflict FAST! The very best scenario is to be able to end the attack in no more than 3 strikes, preferably one! Before i go on I will point out that everything happening here is due to a neurological response. So why would you not learn to take advantage of that?

The One Hit Knockout

Recently I was at a seminar with a Hapkido presenter, a very well respected man and rightfully so. What he was teaching as street caused me concern because it seemed to be the wrong level of escalation. If you put someone in an arm bar who is trying to kill you what will you do next? What will you do if h​is buddy is near by and is going to cut your throat? Self Defense is not 1 ​dimensional. You are also not going to press a point and finish the fight.

You need to strike the correct place, the correct way and fortunately there are MANY such places on the body. Your root art training should be able to get you there! If not you need a new system.

There are also many systems out there and teacher who want this kind of information, but do not wish to commit to a full study of the science of pressure point self defense to get it. I have a solution for this! Back in 2017 I released a book called Understanding Neurological Pressure Point Knockouts which teaches how to knockout someone out with ONE HIT pressure points.

If you have any questions please feel free to comment below. He is a link also to another great self defense oriented post on the 13 Misconceptions of Knife Attacks. Please share our content on social media with like minded martial arts friends.

​Yin & Yang in Self Defense

Yin & Yang in Self Defense

Using Yin & Yang in Self Defense is not as complex as it might appear to be. It does however require some very specific training and thinking to do so. On the surface it might appear that you just become the opposite of the attacker. This however is only a partial truth. Therefore there is much more to it. Aside from understanding this very important principle of novice Kyusho Jitsu you need to also understand the emotional side. How it all works.

Triple Warmer

This is the meridian of the body that is tied to the endocrine system of the human body. In other words the emotions. When there is a conflict, be it a "fight" or an "attack" the first meridian to be activated very intensely is Triple Warmer. Now Triple Warmer is ALWAYS active to some point, striking it also increases the activity. But controlling it thus requires some training. Once you begin to get a handle on it, then self defense becomes very successful. You need to be in control of your own emotions, and then can move between the various states of Yin & Yang.

Is this possible? Yes it is! I have done this training personally for years, but I don't expect you to believe me. However if you look at Navy Seal training you will understand. That is "combat" and an extreme! But even those who fail that training come out much stronger and in more control. For the street we don't need to be so intense.

How?

How do you do it? I will train often train my senior adults in the dark. Mocking attacks and defenses. Also great is multiple attacks. You begin easy because you are not trying to show the student they can't do it! This is a mistake many teachers make. You are not training seals! Success in martial arts requires time and perseverance then you ramp up the intensity. I often see instructors expecting too much, too fast. Slow and easy so the student develops, not quits!

I was when I was in Canada doing this about once per week. The results were astounding! I should someday do a video course on this topic. But play with it! Also take a look at the multiple attack scenarios of Systema. They have some great ideas!

Yin & Yang in Self Defense

Next you need a SOLID understanding of the Kyusho Jitsu Principle of Yin & Yang. I have a great video that goes into this principle to a depth most teachers never touch!​ This is the most advanced Yin & Yang video on the market in my view. It sells for $25 which is a steal! But why would you pay $25 for one video when you can get the entire set of the 10 Principles of Kyusho Jitsu for $47! This is total around 6 hours of Kyusho Jitsu instructional video on these principles.